BP survives USC scare

Published Jan 19, 2013 at 12:31 am
(Updated Jan 19, 2013 at 12:31 am)

Megan Marecic keeps her eyes focused on the basket as she drive to the hoop for two during Bethel Park’s victory over Upper St. Clair, 43-37, in Section 4-AAAA girls’ action. Marecic fired in 13 points in the triumph.

With the win, the Lady Hawks remained undefeated in the division with a 7-0 record and improved to 13-1 overall.

USC, meanwhile, slipped to 3-4 in the league and 8-6 overall.

Though the Hawks used 12 points, eight at the start from Samanatha Simpson to expand a 13-5, first-frame margin to 21-11 by intermission, USC waged relentless pressure and managed a comeback. In fact, Madison Serio buried a bucket to tie the contest, 29-29, at the start of the final frame.

However, propelled by Megan Marecic and Harper Zimmer, BP reeled off nine points.

During the spree, which resulted in a 38-29 advantage for BP with 2:07 to play, Zimmer buried her second 3-pointer of the game and Marecic connected on four free throws and a bucket.

Silenced in the first half by the USC defense, Marecic registered 11 of her 13 tallies in the second half, including seven in the fourth quarter. The junior averages 17.3 points per game.

Simpson led all scorers with 14 points. All but two occurred in the first half.

Mariah Penascino pitched in four points as did Shannon Conley, all on free throws during a critical stretch in the final frame.